BGA23

I've owned a '11 e90 for about two years and it has been rock solid. +1 on the crappy mileage but one buys the car despite this. V8 sounds great at the higher revs. Lack of low end torque is a bit annoying at times. DCT tranny so smooth, sometimes you don't even notice the shifts.

For 2Kish of freeway miles you can't go wrong with one.

bmwtye

While this is a little more than 30k, its one hell of a car. Owned by my best friend's friend.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1044777

Nizer

True dat. My comment was solely directed at daily driveability. F80 is lighter, faster, way more fuel efficient and way better in traffic due to torque. Open roads and no concerns regarding efficiency and I'd probably lean towards E90 for the pure N/A'ness, though I need more time in current car to make final call.

ShakeNBake

+1 The risk is very real, it's becoming pretty common for high mile/whored out cars to throw a rod bearing. Make absolutely sure it didn't have a supercharger at some point in its life. Go to a BMW event at COTA and you'll see at least one or two cars go boom. It's happened at the last two trifecta events.

I owned a 2009 for 6 years and it was the best DD I've ever owned with kids. I had virtually no issues with it, even with 10K+ track miles on it. Needs an exhaust and audio system upgrades and you're done.
There would be a 2012/13 in my garage if I didn't need a DD that could tow...so that E90 turned into a X5M.

bmwtye

So once these cars are hitting higher miles, what precautions should be taken? There are plenty of documented cases of oil analysis coming back great and the engine still blowing shortly after. As for the ones that are Supercharged, would just making sure the bearings have been replaced on a regular interval depending on mileage solve the problem?

JFWGT3

I have an '08 M3. ESS supercharged, Arkra, Ohlins, Stop Tech etc. with a 6 speed manual. I like the car a lot and decided to keep it. Yes, it does have light clutch and a sloppy shifter, but it is a great car for my summer highway commuting to the office. It's fast, handles well and is comfortable.

JFWGT3

My lord, can we make this picture any larger!

rs4_saloon

slightly biased, well maybe not, since I went thought a similar decision tree, but I would look at the Audi RS4 also if I were you....especially if you're ok w/ getting an E90 M3.

The RS4 has a NA V8 engine that is the same engine used in the R8 V8, a 6 speed manual transmission that trumps the BMW manual. Plus the sound of the V8 is amazing!!!

poofyo101

e92 M3 is a great car. Very reliable. 6MT all the way. I owned two both purchased new. Was tough to let go....until I got an RS

FJSeattle

I agree, but it's a $37-40k car for a clean low mileage one. I just sold my brothers cabriolet with 6k miles on eBay for $40.4

Jbarnes RS

Thanks for the input guys. Rennlist Rocks

I went with a White/Black Coupe. Double Clutch 60K miles. $30K I felt like it was a pretty good deal. One Owner Local new car trade in. It will be perfect for the AZ freeways.

First drive car is fast, I need to get a good drive in but initially it feels like it should have more torque for a V8.... Guess I am used to the GT3.

Love the way it rides on the open road. Interior is Spartan and easy to navigate. Love the seats and the car looks pretty good for a BMW...

993Brendan

Nice- you took action! The white looks great next to the RS...cool pair. I've had an E36 and E46 M3 and loved them both. I'll snag a V8 sedan one day!

destaccado

One thing that won't be relevant to you anymore but to help the next guy;

The dash and interior look MUCH better if you find one without the navigation screen. Hard to find but possible.

Ibanezgod

I owned one as a previous car it was a four door DCT. Fantastic car great for daily driving a lot of fun sounded wonderful and I'd recommend it to anybody. Gas mileage is atrocious though. If I could've done it again I would've gotten a manual transmission and put a short throw shifter in it. The DCT is fun but the novelty wears off after years gone by. They are a beautiful car and the technology is appropriate and not too over-the-top. The car is very reliable and there's really very little maintenance required.

Jbarnes RS

Mine has no Nav. No wonder wheel like my 7. That's what looks different to others I have seen. I love the simple layout.